Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome dismisses terror alert from Makadara OCS

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Wednesday took disciplinary action against a senior police boss from Makadara Police Station who issued a circular regarding terror threats from militia group Al Shabaab ahead of the Christmas festivities.

In the circular, Timothy Odingo, the Makadara Sub County Police Commander, warned that five areas in the city had been targeted by the terror group ordering police officers to be alert.

The areas listed by Odingo include:

Presbyterian Guest House and conference centre in South C and Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in South B
Nairobi West Mall
Capital Centre
Garden City Mall
T Mall

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Police officers from Kenya’s General Service Unit get ready to disperse demonstrators protesting against police brutality in Nairobi in July 2020. Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty Images) Pulse Live Kenya

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IG Koome, however, dismissed the circular as unauthorised by his office indicating that the Makadara officer issuing it had not received orders from him.

"In tandem with the communication procedure, we wish to clarify that the letter has neither originated from the office of the Inspector General nor has the undersigned officer received any instructions in accordance with the chain of command.

“We would like to take this opportunity to assure the public that the country is safe and under strict surveillance by multi-agency security teams,” Koome said.

Koome however urged the public to stay on high alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.